And your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15
Good news! I'm sure we could all use some good news amidst everything that's been going on in the world lately. Report after continuous report of all things bad. When I was growing up we had the local news, nightly world news, and a rare special news report that would pop up and interrupt the regularly scheduled program. Fast forward to today there is continuous breaking news. Everything is a special report. All-day urgencies that will have you in flight or fight if not limited in how much you watch and viewed in light of Scripture and secure trust in the sovereign God.
Though the news reports differ depending on what news newscast a person listens to but the gospel of Jesus Christ does not change and gives light, life, and hope in a dark world. The word "gospel" literally means "good news" and God has provided us with spiritual shoes as a vehicle of hope, light, and armor to spread this Good News of the gospel of peace and reconciliation to others.
All who belong to Christ have been given a gift of new life in Him and we now have the task to be vessels used by God to minister this new life in Jesus and we do this by strapping up our shoes of the gospel of peace.
The shoes of the gospel of peace are the third piece of armor that the apostle Paul instructs the church to put on. Paul used an analogy of a Roman soldier’s sandals. These sandals were thick-soled with spikes on the bottom to help the soldier grip the ground, move quickly, and stand firm against their enemy.
In combat during this time, it was common for the opposition to set up sharp sticks and thorns along the paths. They would bury them beneath the surface so that they could not easily be seen. The intent was to puncture the shoe so that the soldier could not stand firm and fight in battle. The goal was to get the soldier to fall, and we all know that when someone falls in a fight they are prime prey and positioned to be devoured by their enemy.
Today the enemy of our souls has set up traps, invisible “sharp thorns’, “sticks”, strategically placed on our paths to devour us, obstruct our footwear, cause us to stumble, lose our firm footing, lose our peace, lose our faith, rendering us unable to stand firm in battle. This is why it is of vital importance to secure our footing by having strapped on our feet the gospel of peace, making us ready to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the Good News of Jesus Christ.
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11
Jesus is the sure foundation on which we stand. It is through His death and resurrection that we now have peace with God and have been reconciled back to Him. As followers of Christ, it is now our mandate and responsibility to share the blessed hope we have in Jesus with those who don't know Him.
When we make it our aim to position ourselves in Christ and be imitators of Him we are empowered to stand strong and victorious against our adversary. As we take heed to God's Word we are transformed into His image from glory to glory and are equipped and prepared to put on our shoes and take the gospel of peace to the wolrd around us.
The apostle Paul knew the value of a good pair of shoes. Besides sea travel, it’s estimated that during his ministry he walked over ten thousand miles on foot spreading the gospel! I can’t imagine the wear and tear of not only the shoes but on the body, the mind, and the soul.
The apostle Paul was a giant of faith, endurance, and unswerving conviction. He suffered extreme difficulties and humiliations for the cause and love of Christ. The great apostle lived out the readiness of the gospel of peace. He endured three dangerous and daunting missionary trips, proclaiming Christ, making converts, and planting churches. He poured out his life like a sweet-smelling fragrance rising up to God, spreading the Good News to the uttermost parts of the world.
His words to the church of Corinth regarding all he suffered for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
"I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers who are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm."
2 Corinthians 11:23-27
Selah... My worst times are not a grain in the sand compared to the hardships that apostle Paul endured, yet I'm guilty of complaining and at times falling under the weight of adversity. All these things Paul endured in addition to the thorn in his flesh that was never removed, and the huge responsibility of planting and overseeing the churches.
It's good to note that during the time that the apostle Paul wrote this, he was on his third missionary journey, his journey and trials were not over. He would face more hardship and humiliation. But through it all, he remained faithful to the call of God on his life and considered all that happened to him was for the furtherance of the gospel. Today, about one thousand years later Paul through his faithfulness, example, and letters is still furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What would so deeply compel him to walk through brutal terrain both physical and spiritual, endure such extreme trial, persecution, and uncommon deep sufferings? I’m convinced that every step he took was birthed out of an unbending love for God. This undying love and holy allegiance ignited his readiness to spread the gospel of peace, fueling his feet, filling his heart with love for others, and empowering him to stand firm. Be strong in the face of death. Rejoice in the midst of imprisonment. Pray without ceasing. Be courageous and take the very gospel of peace that transformed and empowered him and share it unashamed with others.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
So how does the readiness of the gospel of peace help in warfare? It's a two-fold blessing. For us, living out the gospel strengthens our faith, grants us peace with God and the peace of God as well as provides us with the strength to endure life's hardships and resist the enemy. On the other side, being active in our witness for Christ to unbelievers dismantles and demolishes the strongholds of the enemy.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6
The weapons we fight with are not from our own human methods. Rather our weapons are mighty in God. The weapons of prayer, faith, hope, love, God's Word, and the indwelling Holy Spirit are effective and have great power to break down proud arguments and hindrances that keep people from knowing God.
Today, many are lacking peace. Gripped by fear and anxiety. The dark hole of depression getting deeper. Many are angry. Frustrated. Stressed. More and more people are seeking comfort and a sense of solace from alcohol and drugs. Increase of suicides and suicide attempts. Many are hopeless and uncertain about the future. So many unanswered questions. If there ever was a time to strap on our shoes of the gospel of peace it is now.
As troops in God’s army, we are commanded to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of age. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns! Isaiah 52:7
Like Paul, we must be ready in season and out of season. Ready to give a defense to everyone who asks us a reason for the hope that we have in Jesus. In readying ourselves we are also armoring up by being fishers of men thus making a great impact for God's kingdom. God is with us and nothing and no one is too hard for Him.
On the road to Damascus God's transforming power changed Saul, a man who persecuted Christians without mercy. He had a personal encounter with Jesus that changed his name and life forever. Now, Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Jesus was sent out to tell others about the life God had promised by faith in Christ Jesus.
Let's catch a glimpse of the apostle Paul's heart for Christ and for people.
Once a persecutor of Christians now having deep compassion, concern, and unfailing affection for others. His love for Christ spilled over to others and was demonstrated in his walk, his faithfulness, and because of this, he gained much ground for eternity.
As we put our hands to the plow and our feet to the ground may we catch the heart of Paul for Christ and people. May our lives be Christ-like fragrances rising up to God having no other aim but to bring Him more and more glory. May our hearts be so burdened for souls and that we determine in our hearts to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by the leading and power of the Holy Spirit.
Together, a mighty army under the leadership of our Chief Commander we are empowered to stand firm. In union with Christ labor together as God's faithful soldiers. Building upon the Rock of Jesus Christ. The triumphant Church of the Living God and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it!
1 Corinthians 11:1 2 Timothy 4:2 Ephesians 5:1-2 Acts 16:16-40
1 Thessalonians 5:16 1 Peter 3:15 2 Corinthians 3:18 Act
Acts 9:1-9 Philippiaans 1:21-24
If you are reading this and have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior today is your day!
God loves you so much and He has a plan for your life. No need to wait until you "think" you have it all together. None of us have accomplished that but Jesus did. He died on the Cross for your sins and to give you eternal life. Won't you receive Him today?
Lord, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. I believe You died and rose from the dead. Thank You for a new life in You. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer we're rejoicing along with the angels in heaven! Feel free to reach out to us via our contact email.
Prayers and brightest blessings ahead!
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